Midland Christian's Jade Tamplin slides into home for the only run of the game on Friday during the TAPPS 4A Baseball State Championship Game at Red Murff Field in Belton. Tamplin stole home on the play on a pickoff play. Courtesy Photo less

Midland Christian's Jade Tamplin slides into home for the only run of the game on Friday during the TAPPS 4A Baseball State Championship Game at Red Murff Field in Belton. Tamplin stole home on the play on a ... more

Mustangs capture TAPPS 4A baseball crown

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BELTON -- Midland Christian has had more than its fair share of TAPPS state championships in just about every sport it competes in. However, a state title in baseball had always eluded the Mustangs. But, that changed Friday.

The Mustangs took advantage of a throwing error in the bottom of the third inning and junior Jade Tamplin scored what turned out to be the game's lone run as Midland Christian (27-8) held on for a 1-0 victory against district rival Fort Worth Christian in the TAPPS 4A championship game at Red Murff Field.

"It was two great baseball teams that compete to no end," MCS coach Mike Muguia said. "We managed to scratch out a run, play good defense and pitched really good the whole game. Everybody pitched their No. 1 (pitcher Thursday), I don't think anyone thought this would be a 1-0 game. I'm just so proud of our guys for the way they handled the pressure and pulled this one out."

Tamplin moved around the bases in the third inning after being hit by a pitch to reach, advanced to second on a single by Elias Aguirre and then ended up at third when he tagged up on a fly out in foul territory.

Tamplin then scored the game's only run courtesy of a wild throw by Fort Worth Christian pitcher Conner Cross on a pick-off attempt to first base. The throw was in the dirt in front of first baseman Jake Pharis, who failed to control it, allowing it to get past him.

Tamplin got a late break for home plate from third base, but still managed to slide in safely just ahead of the tag for a 1-0 lead. At that point, he didn't suspect the run would be the difference in the game.

"I've always been told to put pressure on the defense when I'm on base," said Tamplin. "I know it was state, but it's no different. I was going about it like any other game. I got a late jump, but I saw the ball get by eventually. I barely got there, but I got there."

MCS senior Nikko Velarde picked up the win on the mound, pitching a complete game and allowing three hits, four walks and hitting two batters over seven innings of work. Velarde also had six strikeouts, and really had just one inning where he got in trouble.

After Tamplin scored in the bottom of the third, Fort Worth Christian appeared poised to at least tie the game in the top of the fourth inning. Velarde seemed to lose his command after getting Cardinals right fielder Ryan Arison to ground out back to the mound to start the frame.

Velarde then walked Teddy Stankiewicz, hit Sterling Maness with a pitch and walked Brandon Searle to load the bases with only one out in the inning. A quick visit to the mound by Munguia seemed to settle the senior right-hander down, though.

"I think everyone would be super nervous in that situation," Velarde said. "All that was going through my mind was 'Stay chill.' Whenever I stay chill, it becomes much easier to throw strikes, so that's what I did."

Whatever Velarde was thinking, it worked. He forced Fort Worth Christian designated hitter Jonathan Hall to hit an infield fly and struck out Brett Jackson swinging to end the inning and preserve the Mustangs' 1-0 lead.

"He lost a little focus there at the beginning of the inning," Munguia said. "You could see him take a deep breath, relax and go to work. He just made some good pitches and we made some good plays behind him."

Velarde allowed two base runners in the final three innings and recorded four of his six strikeouts during that span, including three in the fifth inning alone.

"I just had to find my arm slot," Velarde said. "That's the issue for me every game. But, once I find it, then I'm usually pretty good to go."

For the Mustangs to beat Fort Worth Christian for the program's first state title is only that much more appropriate.

"It's unbelievable. Those guys have been our rival for as long as we can remember in every sport," Velarde said. "They've talked a lot of mess, but we always try to do our talking on the field. We work our butts off every day, and it's all for this."